CUNY PHOTONICS CAT RE-DESIGNATED

The City University of New York has been re-designated as the site for a New York State Center for Advanced Technology (CAT). Dr. Robert R. Alfano will continue to direct the CAT, which has been renamed the NYS Center for Advanced Technology in Photonics Applications. Governor George E. Pataki announced the award of up to $10 million for the next ten years from the NYS Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR) on June 30th.

The new CAT will continue efforts to positively impact the New York State economy. Over the last 5 years, the CAT generated $40M in savings and revenues for NY companies, created and retained 120 NY jobs, and trained dozens of company technicians. It generated approximately $10 million in cash and in-kind research support from NY and out-of-state companies, gave rise to successful NY spin-offs, and attracted companies to New York. It also leveraged over $20M in federal funds in support of photonics research and development.

The new CAT will focus on areas that improve human health and provide homeland defense. Key photonics technologies to be developed by the CAT include: optical medical diagnostics, optical imaging, laser development, ultrafast laser technology, optical semiconductor materials and devices, nanoscale photonic materials and devices, compact photonic devices, optical communications, biological sensing and processes, optical computing and optical bio-defense.

The CAT will support New York State industry by providing applied research for product development, as well as outreach and training programs. The CAT will also work to secure federal funding in partnership with industry. According to Dr. Alfano, "the CAT will outreach to and collaborate with New York State companies on applied photonics research, especially small companies". CAT Deputy Director for Business Development Alan Doctor said, "CAT outreach will feature consultations on company needs, product/process testing, help with funding applications, incubator space at CUNY and other support activities". Training programs will include upgrading company technician skills, seminars and short courses on key topics in the photonics industry, hands-on company internships, and course development.

NYS companies have provided strong support for the CAT‚s re-designation, including over $800,000 in cash commitments for the CAT‚s first year. These include Quantronix, Northrop Grumman, the Infotonics Technology Center, MediPhotonics Development Corp., Applied NanoWorks, Lockheed Martin and Computer Instruments Corporation.

Dr. Russell W. Bessette, Executive Director of NYSTAR, said, "CUNY's CAT in Photonics Applications will be an extremely important component of the State‚s high technology economic development efforts. With the research in photonics and imaging science systems being done at this Center, coupled with technological research in a wide range of areas, CUNY will be a key partner in helping create a vibrant high technology-based economy for New York State."

Read the NYSTAR press release about the designation of 10 CATs statewide.

For more information about the CAT, please .